KUALA LUMPUR – Although data for 2020 child marriages will only be available later this year, the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry revealed that there were 322 cases in 2019.
Minister Datuk Seri Rina Harun cited data from the Statistics Department, saying the number of child marriages recorded in 2019 is lower compared with previous years – 1,856 in 2018 and 2,107 in 2017.
“The ministry has requested statistics concerning child marriages during the pandemic period beginning March 18, 2020, until now.
“However, the data is being streamlined among agencies on the state level, and it is expected to be published on November 30 this year,” she said in a written parliamentary reply.
Rina also touched on statistics regarding domestic violence cases.
For the period of January to June this year, 1,793 calls and complaints concerning incidents of domestic violence were made through Talian Kasih.
Meanwhile, 644 cases under the Social Welfare Department (JKM) were registered in the same period.
She said the ministry has taken steps to curb cases of domestic violence during the pandemic such as distribution of promotional materials, urging victims to come forward and file complaints, and the issuance of emergency protection orders under JKM, among others.
In March, Rina reportedly said Malaysia is committed to addressing child marriage as part of efforts to meet at least eight of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals relating to poverty, food security and health.
She was quoted as saying by Bernama that in Malaysia, an average of 1,500 children, regardless of racial and religious backgrounds, were involved in child marriages, and this practice occurs in both urban and rural areas among Muslim and non-Muslims, and even in the Orang Asli and migrant and refugee communities. – The Vibes, September 24, 2021
